The Pamir Highway & Its Fabled Frontiers
The Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan are some of the most rugged and beautiful on Earth. Soaring upward at the meeting point of the Himalayas, the Tien Shan and the Hindu Kush ranges, the Pamirs include parts of modern-day Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and China. Join MIR on an exploratory journey over the Pamir Highway, a breathtaking high-altitude route that has been in use since the time of the Silk Road. The road climbs over two 14,000-foot passes and follows the Panj River along the Afghan border where, just beyond the rushing stream, Afghan villagers herd their goats and work their fields.
Days 1-3: Bishkek, Kochkor Village, Naryn
Explore Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, enjoying a cultural performance. In Kochkor Village, attend traditional Kyrgyz horse games and visit a traditional handicraft cooperative. Continue to Naryn, set between red cliffs and green hills at 6,000 feet.
Days 4-7: Tash Rabat, Turogart Pass, Kashgar, Western China
Follow the old Silk Road, overnighting in yurts near Tash Rabat, a 15th century caravanserai. Cross 12,000-foot Turogart Pass on the Kyrgyz-China border, the most spectacular route into or out of Central Asia. Spend a morning at Kashgar's unrivaled Sunday Market and enjoy a performance of Uighur folk dances.
Days 8-10: Kashgar, China, Irkeshtam Pass, Sary Tash, Murgab, Tajikistan
Set out on the stunning drive over Irkeshtam Pass back into Kyrgyzstan. Pick up the Pamir Highway near the little town of Sary Tash. The road climbs over 12,840-foot Kyzyl-Art Pass into Tajikistan, across the Pamir Plateau, up dramatic Ak-Baital Pass, at almost 14,000 feet, and down to Murgab. Hike in the surrounding mountains, visiting ancient petroglyphs, summer pastures and Madian Hot Spring.
Days 11-13: Murgab, Langar, Yamchan, Ishkashim, Horog
In Horog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, visit the Regional History Museum and handicraft center, and discover the vibrant local culture at a homestay.
Days 14-18: Horog, Kalaikhumb, Dushanbe
Drive along the Panj River between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, overnighting in the village of Kalaikhumb. Continue to Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan. Visit several museums and explore nearby Gissar, dominated by the 18th century Ibrahim Beg Fortress.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
18 Days |
| Departures: |
1 |
| Dates: |
August 2-19, 2010 |
 |
| Land Tour Cost: |
|
| 6-12 travelers |
$6,995** |
| Partial Single Supplement |
$965 |
| |
| No Hidden Costs! |
| **Land tour cost includes internal flight costs which are subject to change; see the Descriptive Daily Itinerary for details. |
|
MIR Signature Features
- Experience the spirit of Kyrgyzstan in Kochkor Village, attending horse games and a feltmaking demonstration
- Admire the massive stone Silk Road caravanserai at Tash Rabat
- Cross borders at rarely-used frontier stations
Map - Click to Enlarge
| |
| Day 1: |
Arrive Bishkek |
|
| Day 2: |
Bishkek |
|
| Day 3: |
Bishkek, drive to Naryn via Kochkor Village |
|
| Day 4: |
Naryn, Tash Rabat |
|
| Days 5: |
Tash Rabat, Turogat Pass, cross into China, Kashgar |
|
| Day 6: |
Kashgar |
|
| Day 7: |
Kashgar Sunday Market |
|
| Day 8: |
Kashgar, Irkeshtam Pass, cross into Kyrgyzstan, Sary Tash |
|
|
| Day 9: |
Sary Tash, cross into Tajikistan, Murgab |
|
| Day 10: |
Murgab |
|
| Day 11: |
Murgab, Langar, Yamchan |
|
| Days 12-13: |
Yamchan, Ishkashim, Horog |
|
| Day 14: |
Horog, Kalaikhumb |
|
| Days 15-19: |
Kalaikhumb, Dushanbe |
|
|
Suggested Extensions
Consider a post-tour extension to Uzbekistan. Contact us for details.
Some images on this page courtsey of James Carnehan
|
